Faculty Development Leaves

The Faculty Development Leave Program provides release time to tenured faculty members to support a variety of activities including publication, research, teaching, and creative activities. FDLs are not sabbaticals nor are they to be used for rest and relaxation. Rather, FDLs are to be used for faculty development, broadly construed.

 

The process is competitive, and the number of FDLs is limited.

 

Awards are made on the basis of the excellence of the proposed work and its potential to advance the faculty member’s career and UTA’s reputation. Its scope should surpass the faculty member’s normal responsibilities. 

 

Eligibility

Faculty must have 1) served full-time as assistant, associate, or full professors on the UT Arlington faculty for at least two consecutive academic years, and 2) earned tenure by the time the leave commences. 

 

Part-time faculty, visiting faculty, and all other untenured faculty (including assistant professors on the tenure track but not yet tenured by next fall) are NOT eligible.

 

Leave Period

Either one year at one-half regular salary or for one semester at full salary. 

 

Timetable

  • Monday, November 4, 2024: Window opens for FDL applications. 

  • To begin the application process, faculty must complete this form: 

  • All applications for an FDL must be submitted through Watermark / Digital Measures (W/DM).

  • Friday, December 6, 2024: Submissions will be accepted through 11.59pm

  • Friday January 10, 2025: Departmental committee reviews completed

  • Friday, February 7, 2025: School and College Level reviews completed

Faculty Development Leaves - FAQs

  • Does an applicant’s rank status weigh in the decision?

No. Preference is not given to faculty of any rank nor does longevity of service entitle one to a leave. Faculty Development Leaves are awarded based on the merits of the proposal.

 

  • Does an applicant’s tenure status weigh in the decision?

Yes. Only those faculty members who have earned tenure by the time the leave commences may be awarded a leave.

 

  • Can previous award winners apply again?

Yes, however, there must be a five-year interval between awards. Previous award winners must inform the review committee of the earlier award. The review committees may consider whether or not the applicant is a previous award winner.

 

  • Can a second leave be granted for the same project?

Yes, if the review committee believes such a leave is worthwhile. There must be a five-year interval between leave periods. The applicant will need to address the relationship between the current proposed project and the previous FDLs. The review committee may consider previous FDLs in their deliberations.

 

  • What types of proposals are successful?

Applications from across disciplines have been successful. Broadly speaking, proposals may focus on creative activities, field and laboratory research, or teaching activities. Evaluation committees tend to prefer proposals which focus on a narrow set of well-defined project objectives.

 

  • Can a faculty member apply for both an FDL and a REP?

Yes, however, it is unlikely that a faculty member would receive both awards in the same year.

 

  • Are FDLs just for those involved in research and creative activities?

No. FDLs may be awarded for the preparation of new classroom techniques and for the development of new subject areas. The review committees will evaluate teaching-focused proposals in the same fashion as research and creative activity focused proposals. No one class of proposals receives preference.

 

  • Can I be denied a FDL leave due to the programmatic needs of my department?

No. Programmatic needs cannot be considered in evaluating a faculty member’s FDL application.

 

  • Where can I learn more?

Faculty Absences and Leave Policy (II.A.4 in the UT Arlington Handbook of Operating Procedures):https://policy.uta.edu/doctract/documentportal/08D885989C3C71AD26D05166DF6E3DD2

 

Rights, Responsibilities, and Duties of Faculty Members Policy (II.G in the UT Arlington Handbook of Operating Procedures):https://policy.uta.edu/doctract/documentportal/08D897ACC5F88EA1767E3D7458C86119

 

FDL program guidelines, which include a detailed timeline.

 

Questions?

  • For technical questions concerning the online submission process, please email DMhelp@uta.edu

  • For other questions and comments about the Faculty Development Leave program, contact the Division of Faculty Success at facultysuccess@uta.edu